Tamil YouTuber Felix Gerald Arrested for Spreading Misinformation on Karur Stampede

Tamil YouTuber Felix Gerald was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly spreading false information about the tragic Karur stampede during a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally, which claimed 41 lives and left over 50 people injured. The arrest follows a crackdown by authorities, who have registered cases against more than 20 individuals accused of circulating rumors about the incident that has gripped Tamil Nadu.

Felix Gerald, known for his Tamil-language YouTube channel covering current events and social issues, was detained as part of the police investigation into misinformation surrounding the chaotic September 27 rally in Velusamypuram, Karur district. Authorities claim that Gerald’s content contributed to public unrest by spreading unverified claims about the stampede, which occurred during a massive gathering organized by the TVK, led by its charismatic chief, Vijay.

The Karur stampede has already led to the arrest of three TVK functionaries named in the First Information Report (FIR): party state general secretary Bussy Anand, deputy general secretary Nirmal Kumar, and office-bearer Mathialagan. The trio faces serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), Section 125 (endangering life or personal safety of others), and Section 223 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant). Additionally, they have been charged under Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Damage and Loss) Act, 1992, for their alleged role in the tragedy.

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According to the FIR, the stampede was triggered by overcrowding and restlessness among attendees, exacerbated by TVK chief Vijay’s delayed arrival at the rally venue. The massive turnout, coupled with poor crowd management, reportedly led to the catastrophic incident that has sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability.

In a related development, a special police team apprehended another TVK functionary, Pounraj, for allegedly sheltering Mathialagan, a key accused in the stampede case. Mathialagan’s arrest has intensified scrutiny on the TVK’s organizational practices and its handling of large-scale public events.

The arrests have ignited a heated debate about freedom of speech, the role of social media influencers, and the responsibility of political organizations in ensuring public safety. Gerald’s supporters argue that his arrest is an attempt to silence critical voices, while authorities maintain that curbing misinformation is essential to prevent further unrest in the wake of the tragedy.

As investigations continue, the Karur stampede remains a flashpoint in Tamil Nadu’s political and social landscape, raising questions about crowd control, event planning, and the power of digital platforms in shaping public narratives.

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